Rich Howard | a fairly demure nose, very creamy with black cherries in vanilla, fresh blackberries, herbal cherry cough drops (sorry, have to say Ricola here...), distinct candle wax, vegetal notes of pecans, haystacks and wet grasses. the palate follows suit, with gentle, creamy fruit, just a hair sweeter than the nose might suggest, maybe a bit more citrus here, fresh peach and peach skin, tangerine, and a nice dose of spice and lightly herbal, especially on the finish. water accents the herbal and waxy notes on the nose, still with an undercurrent of creamy berries and citrus. the palate has thinned out a bit as well, sweeter and creamier, with a handful of toasted herbs, more spices and drying oak on the finish. summary: a creamy, spicy, waxy sherried malt of obvious quality to enjoy exactly as bottled. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards] |
Oliver Klimek | Colour: Medium amber -
Nose: Honey, waxed wood, apples, sweet grapes, vanilla, candied ginger, hints of nutmeg. -
Palate: Honey, vanilla, apples, bananas, grapes, candy floss, caramel, hints of ginger and nutmeg. -
Finish: Very long and fruity, slightly dry. -
Overall: A delicious old-style whisky with a creamy and slightly waxy mouthfeel but no overwhelming wood influence. |